Vegenaise – Grapeseed Oil Version

It took me two months to finally write this review … well over a month has passed since our first finished jar, several weeks have passed since our second finished (jumbo) jar … yes, it seems when I find a new favorite, consuming rather than writing becomes the first thing on my mind.

I will start this review with a quick primer. There are four varieties of Vegenaise, Original, Organic, Expeller Pressed, and Grapeseed. I chose the Grapeseed as I prefer using grapeseed oil to canola oil (Original, and Expeller Pressed) and try to limit the soy in our diet (Organic). There is a bit of soy protein in the Grapeseed version, but it was a ways down the ingredient list, which I have included below.

While I rarely have cravings for mayonnaise, it is a nice creamy replacement that is almost always dairy-free. I (used to) keep a jar on hand for emergencies, but since my husband and I were trialing the vegan diet, Vegenaise seemed like an interesting product to try.

As for the look, it had a very slight greenish/gray tint to distinguish it from traditional mayo (no doubt the tinge of the grapeseed oil). The consistency was perfect, thick, creamy, spreadable, and remarkably like the egg-based competitor.

The taste was also pretty impressive. While I could tell that it was slightly different from regular mayo, it was in some ways incredibly alike. Really, oddly enough, I actually liked it better! It had a fresher taste. Amazingly, my carnivorous husband also loved it. I began using it to make creamy salad dressings for pasta salads and greens … just adding a touch of rice milk to thin it, and the herbs and spices that served our mood. The Lemony Dill seasoning from Vegetarian Express turned out to be a real winning combination. Soon, my husband was requesting Vegenaise dressings, and said that I didn’t need to buy those other salad dressings anymore. Here it is in action …

Seriously, we are now addicted. Egg-based mayo and bottled salad dressings are out … Vegenaise is in! Who would have known?

Vegenaise comes in two sizes: a good-sized smaller jar and what I refer to as the jumbo size (32 ounces). The jumbo size goes for just over $4 at my local natural food store (while the smaller is just under $4) … a real deal for how long it lasts and how much salad dressing it can make!

Where to Purchase: Vegenaise is sold in the refrigerated section; so don’t look for it next to the other mayos on the shelf. In large grocery stores, don’t overlook the mini-fridge often found hiding in the natural food aisles. Oh yes and you can also buy Vegenaise direct from the Follow Your Heart website. Recently, we noticed a little snafu with their website, if you have any difficulties, contact them directly at (818) 725-2820 or info@FollowYourHeart.com.

I guess there is a much bigger mark-up out east! I’m on the west coast – I’ve seen prices here up to $7 or $8 for the large jar (though cheaper at most stores), but never as high as you are seeing. Wow!

Boil whole wheat angel hair for 1 person. Saute handful of spinach with 1/2 clove garlic, add a little bit of fresh basil at the end (when the spinach is wilted). When pasta and veggies are done, add both to the following Vegenaise “cream”: 2 tablespoons of Vegenaise, tiny squirt of regular mustard, squirt of lime and salt and pepper.

The warm pasta and heat from the veggies will warm the “cream” and will make everything gooey and delicious! You can also add pre-cooked chicken. To die for!

I also prefer the taste over mayonnaise. I wanted to share my new recipe. I’ve been eating healthier and I never thought I would forgo my butter on artichokes. I add juice from 1/2 lemon to a few tables spoons of vegenaise, generously add garlic powder and italian seasoning. I’ll try your recipe for salads.

Thank you so much for your review of Vegenaise! I’ve been wanting to try it, but wondered if it was worth it at all. I love mayo in certain sandwich fillings (tuna/salmon and egg salad) and I’m so happy to think that I can choose a healthier and more natural option now. Vegenaise, here I come!

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